The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

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Song of the Day: Yesterday I Heard The Rain

The song of the day for Sunday, August 20, 2023, is “Yesterday I Heard The Rain.”

About This Song

“Yesterday I Heard The Rain” was written in 1968 by Armando Manzanero, with English lyrics by Gene Lees. Entitled “Esta Tarde Vi Llover” in the original Spanish, it is one of Armando Manzanero’s most highly regarded songs. Born in 1935, Manzanero studied music in Mexico City and composed his first song at the age of fifteen. At the age of sixteen, he became a professional pianist. His songs, like “Yesterday I Heard The Rain” are beautiful and romantic songs. He is considered to be one of the most successful composers from Latin America.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Yesterday I Heard The Rain” on February 26, 1968, for the album Yesterday I Heard The Rain. Torrie Zito wrote the arrangement.

“Yesterday I Heard The Rain,” as well as the album Yesterday I Heard The Rain, is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Reflections

The song of the day for Thursday, July 6, 2023, is “Reflections.”

About This Song

“Reflections” was written in 1953 by Duke Ellington, with lyrics by Milton Raskin and Marjorie Houseman. This melody was originally written as an instrumental and is known as “Reflections in D.”

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Reflections” in 1975 for the album Tony Bennett Sings “Life Is Beautiful”, released on Bennett’s Improv label. It was arranged and conducted by Torrie Zito.

“Reflections,” as well as Tony Bennett Sings “Life Is Beautiful”, is available on Apple Music.

Here’s Duke Ellington playing “Reflections in D.” It’s quite beautiful.

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Song of the Day: Baby Don’t You Quit Now

The song of the day for Saturday, June 17, 2023, is “Baby Don’t You Quit Now.”

About This Song

“Baby Don’t You Quit Now” was written in 1967 by Jimmy Rowles and Johnny Mercer. In the booklet for Fifty Years: The Artistry of Tony Bennett, Tony Bennett says “This song is one of Ella Fitzgerald’s favorites, and a fun song to perform. It was written by Jimmy Rowles and Johnny Mercer. It always runs through my brain …”

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Baby Don’t You Quit Now” on November 25, 1968, for the album I’ve Gotta Be Me, which was released in 1969. Torrie Zito arranged the song and conducted the orchestra.

“Baby Don’t You Quit Now,” as well as I’ve Gotta Be Me is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: There’ll Be Some Changes Made

The song of the day for Thursday, June 8, 2023, is “There’ll Be Some Changes Made.”

About This Song

“There’ll Be Some Changes Made” was written in 1921, with music by Benton Overstreet and lyrics by Billy Higgins, two African-American vaudeville performers. Ethel Waters had a hit recording of this song in late 1921; other early recordings include those by Marion Harris, Josie Miles, Fats Waller, and the Chicago Rhythm Kings. Later recordings include those by Billy Holiday, Peggy Lee, and Tony Bennett. Even Western singers have been drawn to the song by artists including Chet Atkins, Bob Wills and His Texas Playboys, and Pee Wee Russell’s Rhythmakers.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “There’ll Be Some Changes Made” in 1975 for his album Tony Bennett Sings Life Is Beautiful. It was arranged by Torrie Zito.

“There’ll Be Some Changes Made,” as well as Tony Bennett Sings Life Is Beautiful is available on Apple Music.

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Song of the Day: Coffee Break

The song of the day for Tuesday, May 9, 2023, is “Coffee Break.”

About This Song

The composer of Coffee Break, James Moody, joined Dizzy Gillespie’s bebop orchestra after his service in the Air Force ended in 1946. Moody primarily played tenor saxophone, but also played flute, soprano and
alto sax. While a member of various Gillespie groups, he had an active solo and composing career as well. He was named a Jazz Master in 1998 by the National Endowment for the Arts.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Coffee Break” on September 1, 1967, for the album Summer of ’42. Torrie Zito wrote the arrangement.

“Coffee Break,” as well as Summer of ’42 is available on Apple Music.

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